Head to any of the most important and busiest airports all through the US lately and it’ll seem to be a distant reminiscence (or maybe a nasty dream) that not various years in the past, the pandemic had turned many of those bustling hubs into ghost cities. As journey returns with a vengeance, U.S. airports are as soon as once more buzzing with passengers. Consequently, airports are racing to maintain up with formidable renovation and growth initiatives, a parade of recent golf equipment and lounges for premium vacationers seeking to escape the lots, and a complete slew of recent eating places and providers to higher accommodate the flying public.
In truth, your entire U.S. air transport infrastructure system is within the midst of an extended overdue renaissance as a part of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Regulation, which was handed in 2021 and put aside a whopping $25 billion to modernize the nation’s airports—and higher put together them for a future that’s more likely to see thousands and thousands of further vacationers heading into the skies within the coming years. Investments have been put aside to exchange getting older terminals, to cut back the danger of shut calls and collisions on runways, to make airports cleaner and greener, and to fund main capability growth initiatives.
All of which comes at a time when passenger numbers are again on the rise. Earlier this summer time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched information on the variety of air vacationers who boarded planes at U.S. airports in 2022, making the dimensions of the postpandemic restoration obvious: A complete of 853 million passengers boarded flights all through the USA in 2023, 50 % greater than in 2021, and simply 8 % beneath the all-time annual excessive of 928 million passengers who boarded flights within the U.S. in 2019. Right here’s which airports noticed the very best variety of passengers taking off—in addition to what to do if you end up among the many thousands and thousands of vacationers who spend time in these busy hubs.
What’s the busiest airport in the US?
The busiest airport in the US is Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Worldwide Airport (ATL). The Atlanta airport can be the No. 1 busiest airport on the planet. In 2022, 45.4 million passengers boarded business plane in Atlanta, in keeping with the FAA. That was an almost 24 % improve over the 36.7 million enplanements in Atlanta in 2021.
The 20 busiest airports in the US
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Worldwide Airport (45.4 million)
Situated 10 miles from downtown Atlanta, Georgia’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Worldwide Airport (ATL) is an enormous home and worldwide hub for air journey—particularly for these touring with Delta Air Traces and its companions. The 6.8 million-square-foot terminal complicated consists of 152 home gates and 40 worldwide gates.
This being Delta’s HQ, there’s a minimum of one Delta Sky Membership in all seven of the concourses (A, B, C, D, E, F, and T). There’s additionally an American Airways Admirals Membership, United Membership, and the Membership at ATL, obtainable to Precedence Go holders and to those that buy a day cross.
The Atlanta airport has an formidable artwork program that features each everlasting and rotating reveals for these with some spare time. And if it is advisable to gasoline up earlier than your flight, there are greater than 100 meals and beverage institutions to select from, together with such standouts as acclaimed upscale American restaurant One Flew South in Concourse E; Shake Shack in Concourse A; the Varsity for chili canines or the Unique El Taco for modern Mexican (fried rooster tacos, anybody?) in Concourse C; and Rooster + Beer for Southern consolation fare in Concourse D.
2. Dallas–Fort Value Worldwide Airport (35.3 million)
Spanning 26 sq. miles with 5 terminals (A, B, C, D, and E), 171 gates, and seven runways, Dallas–Fort Value Worldwide Airport (DFW) may truly be thought-about a small metropolis—it’s bigger than Manhattan (which is 22.7 sq. miles) and even has its personal zip code. Regardless of its dimension, the airport is on monitor to attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 thanks partly to a $35 million federal grant for a zero-carbon electrical plant.
If you end up with additional time on this sprawling journey complicated, the excellent news is there are some respectable eateries. In Terminal A, head to Ling & Louie’s for a pleasant sit-down menu of artistic Asian delicacies, the Salt Lick Bar-B-Que for one final barbecue repair earlier than take off, or Twisted Root for a severe burger. In Terminal B, you’ll be able to sip wine on the refined Decanted and replenish on smoked meats and sides at Cousins BBQ. There’s an at all times dependable Shake Shack in Terminal C, the Fort Value coffeehouse Brewed in Terminal D, and Blue Mesa Taco & Tequila Bar in Terminal E for Mexican-inspired meals and drinks.
Lounges embody American Airways Flagship First lounge and Admirals Golf equipment, Delta Sky Membership, United Membership, Capital One Lounge, Centurion Lounge, and the Membership at DFW for Precedence Go holders.
Some enjoyable further facilities are Spa Right here, for massages, haircuts, and nail remedies in Terminal C; Minute Suites for napping in Terminal A; and Gameway, a online game lounge, in Terminal B. There’s additionally a kids’s play space (courtesy of McDonald’s) in Terminal D close to gate D8.
3. Denver Worldwide Airport (33.8 million)
In 2022, Denver Worldwide Airport (DEN) accomplished a capability growth mission that added 39 new gates to the mountain hub (for a complete of 148) and elevated the terminal’s capability by 30 %. And that’s a very good factor contemplating how many individuals journey by way of this main switch hub.
Denver airport has three concourses: A, B, and C (that logically correspond with the A gates, B gates, and C gates). Following the growth effort, the airport additionally acquired three new outside decks, household seating areas, nursing rooms, new rest room services, charging stations, and workstations.
Apart from its unmistakable structure, the Denver hub is understood for its in depth artwork assortment—value exploring preflight. In the course of the vacation season from mid-November by way of early January, an ice skating rink and stay music performances arrange store within the airport’s outside plaza.
Frequent vacationers can escape the throngs at a number of golf equipment and lounges, together with an American Airways Admirals Membership, American Specific Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Membership, and a United Membership and new United Membership Fly idea.
Non–lounge lizards have some respectable meals choices all through the concourses. In Concourse A, Breckenridge Brewery pours native craft brews, Brothers BBQ serves up large sandwiches, and Denver Central Market (close to gate A48) gives a wide array of dependable quick informal outposts. In Concourse B, head to Snooze for a severe breakfast, Elway’s for a pleasant sit-down meal, CRÚ Meals and Wine Bar, or Shake Shack. In Concourse C, attempt to make a while for domestically sourced delicacies and cocktails or craft brews on the colourful Root Down. You can too go for Tamales La Casita adopted by Little Man Ice Cream.
4. Chicago’s O’Hare Worldwide Airport (33.1 million)
Chicago O’Hare Worldwide Airport (ORD) is the primary world hub for this bustling Midwestern metropolis and options 193 gates unfold throughout 4 terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3, and 5—there isn’t any Terminal 4).
In terms of airport lounges, O’Hare is dwelling to an American Airways Flagship Lounge and an Admirals Membership, a Delta Sky Membership, and a United Membership and a Polaris Lounge.
Should you’re seeking to work up a sweat between flights, the Hilton Athletic Membership contained in the Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport Resort sells day passes, which embody entry to a steam room, sauna, lap pool, and locker rooms. You can too head to the yoga room and concrete backyard in Terminal 3 or strive the Terminal Getaway Spa in Terminal 1 for some preflight zen. A household lounge in Terminal 2 close to gate F1 features a play space for teenagers, and there are nursing rooms in all 4 terminals.
As for meals choices, there are three places of the chef Rick Bayless–backed Tortas Frontera outposts at O’Hare (in Terminals 1, 3, and 5) the place you may get the superbly toasted tortas. Or for lighter fare, hit up Wicker Park Seafood and Sushi Bar (in Terminals 1 and a pair of).
5. Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (32.3 million)
LAX, because it’s generally known as (as that’s the airport code), is within the midst of a significant transformation. The expansive Southern California airport just lately broke floor on a number of main building initiatives that promise to alleviate a variety of the visitors points the airport faces. They embody an electrical rail system that can present public transportation entry to and from the airport and is slated for completion in 2023. And LAX has been remodeling in different methods as nicely.
What was as soon as a dearth of choices all through the airport has developed into a decent roster of eating experiences. Standouts embody fast-casual seafood joint Slapfish and elevated eating at SeaLegs Wine Bar (each in Terminal 2). And you may get creative burgers at Umami Burger and inventive Mexican delicacies at Border Grill within the Tom Bradley Worldwide Terminal.
When you’ve fueled up, make sure you try a few of the artwork installations all through the airport. Each main U.S. provider has a number of lounges at LAX, as do a number of worldwide carriers, bank card firms, and airline alliance networks.
6. John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport in New York (26.9 million)
Main modifications are underway at New York’s John F. Kennedy Worldwide Airport (JFK), the place work started this previous spring on an formidable $19 billion overhaul of the large facility. When accomplished, the six current terminals (confusingly numbered 1 by way of 8—terminals 3 and 6 had been demolished greater than a decade in the past) will shrink to 4, anchored by two new complexes at both finish of the airport.
As a part of the “A New JFK” mission, terminals 2 and seven (previously occupied by Delta Air Traces and British Airways, respectively) will likely be demolished. And on the south facet of JFK will likely be a brand new Terminal 1 for main tenants, together with Air France and Lufthansa, that can finally be linked to a newly expanded Terminal 4, dwelling to Delta and dozens of overseas flag carriers. On the different finish of the airfield, a brand new Terminal 6 (the place JetBlue would be the most important tenant) will rise subsequent to JetBlue Airways’ present Terminal 5 base. At American Airways’ Terminal 8, the place British Airways just lately shifted its operations from Terminal 7 (which is about to be demolished in a number of years), work was just lately accomplished on new services like expanded lounges and 5 further gates for wide-body plane. Received all that?
You probably have time to kill whereas at JFK, head to one of many airport’s most spectacular architectural landmarks, the Eero Saarinen–designed TWA Flight Middle, which has been remodeled into the TWA Resort, a nostalgia-filled shrine to Sixties-era glamour. You may seize a correct sit-down meal on the Paris Café by Jean-Georges, with delicacies impressed by Sixties’ inflight menus curated by superstar chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, or the extra informal Meals Corridor with every little thing from bagels to tacos. Or get cocktails on a scarlet-hued banquette within the Sunken Lounge or within the classic Lockheed Constellation (or “Connie”) propeller aircraft parked exterior the resort that now serves as a bar.
7. Harry Reid Worldwide Airport in Las Vegas (25.5 million)
Previously McCarran Worldwide Airport, the airport that serves southern Nevada and is the gateway to Las Vegas was renamed Harry Reid Worldwide Airport (LAS) in December 2021. (It’s named after the Nevada congressman who served from 1983 till 2017.) Whereas greater than 25 million vacationers arrived on the hub final 12 months, seemingly headed to the Strip for its myriad lodges and resorts, casinos, nightlife and hopping foodie scene, the airport itself isn’t a lot to jot down dwelling about. A fairly underwhelming get-in-and-get-out transport hub, Harry Reid options two most important terminals: Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 3 (T3).
Should you’re flying out of Terminal 1, your finest wager is to search out the Shake Shack close to the B gates or the Ruby’s Diner close to the D gates for a preflight burger-and-fries-fueled calorie increase, or the Jose Cuervo Tequileria close to the C gates for a refreshing marg, chips, and guac. If you end up in Terminal 3, good luck and godspeed. Irrespective of the place you end up, you’ll have entry to some slot machines for one final probability at a jackpot—it’s Vegas in any case.
8. Orlando Worldwide Airport (24.5 million)
These touring to and from Orlando are probably among the many lots on a pilgrimage to this Florida area’s sought-after theme parks, particularly the Walt Disney World Resort and Common Orlando. With quite a few present retailers that pay homage to the parks’ in style franchises, you’ll be able to simply top off on any souvenirs you will have forgotten between curler coaster rides.
In 2022, Orlando Worldwide Airport (MCO) opened its new Terminal C, which is now dwelling to JetBlue, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa, amongst a number of different carriers. The opening of Terminal C brings with it some enjoyable new eateries, notably Sunshine Diner by chef Artwork Smith, a playful spin on a traditional diner with staples like all-day breakfast, burgers, patty melts, a children menu, cocktails, wine, and beer. For a stable dose of modern Southern fare, head to Cask & Larder for rooster and waffles or pulled pork tacos.
One other large increase for Orlando airport was the addition of the Brightline high-speed practice line, which just lately added service between Miami and Orlando. The brand new 37,350-square-foot Brightline Orlando Station is in a two-story glass atrium complicated on the airport, subsequent to Terminal C. Vacationers don’t should be flying in or out of the airport to entry the practice station.
9. Miami Worldwide Airport (23.9 million)
Coming in simply behind Orlando is one other main Florida hub, Miami Worldwide Airport (MIA), which serves as a significant gateway to the Caribbean, Latin America, and factors past. Miami airport consists of a North (D gates), Central (E,F, and G gates), and South Terminal (H and J gates).
In June 2023, MIA turned the primary airport in Florida and solely the second in the US to be accredited by the Airports Council Worldwide’s (ACI) Accessibility Enhancement Accreditation (AEA) program. Inside the previous decade, Miami has launched a MIAair tour program, which lets passengers with particular wants do an in-person dry run of the air journey expertise; added accessibility lanes within the U.S. Customs and Border Safety (CBP) areas; created 10 wheelchair-charging stations for electrical wheelchairs; gives sunflower lanyards to vacationers with hidden disabilities; and has multi-sensory rooms in its North and South terminals for neurodivergent vacationers. It additionally gives entry to the Aira Airport Community, a free cellular service for blind and low-vision vacationers to obtain navigation help.
Miami airport just lately launched a MIA2Go app that permits vacationers to order meals from any of the terminals on-line or by way of the app. Should you’re in search of a Cuban meals repair, there are a number of Café Versailles places all through the North and Central terminals in addition to Ku-Va close to gate D19. Or head to the Miami Seashore cult brunch outpost Icebox for any meal of the day—they’ve all of it, with a wholesome twist.
10. Charlotte Douglas Worldwide Airport (23.1 million)
This one would possibly shock some vacationers, however Charlotte Douglas Worldwide Airport (CLT) in Charlotte, North Carolina, is certainly one of many busiest airports in the US and the world. The airport consists of 1 most important terminal with 5 concourses: A, B, C, D, and E. The variety of vacationers passing by way of this Southern hub has practically doubled over the previous 20 years. Consequently, the airport is within the midst of a $4 billion overhaul to assist sustain with its inflating passenger numbers.
There are two American Airways Admiral Golf equipment, an American Specific Centurion Lounge, the Membership CLT (for which vacationers can e book a day cross), and a USO Lounge for all members of the navy and their households. (Charlotte is a giant hub for navy journey.)
In maintaining with its contemporaries, there are some nice choices for meals and passing the time, even should you’re not lounging. There are personal Minute Suites for napping, working and freshening up (with showers), and two XpresSpa places for that preflight therapeutic massage or mani. Avid gamers can hit up the Gameway in Concourse E.
These needing a caffeine repair ought to head to Commonspace, which serves Counter Tradition Espresso from Durham, N.C. An outpost of Asheville’s well-known Depraved Weed brewery is situated on the airport (within the Plaza) and there’s the just lately opened Charlotte-based brewery Sycamore. You can too load up on Bojangles biscuits, Unhealthy Daddy’s burgers, salads and lighter fare at Chalice Cafe, and do some last-minute buying on the 1897 Market.
The remaining busiest U.S. airports
Past the highest 10 busiest airports in the US listed above, listed here are the airports that spherical out your entire prime 20 listing.
11. Seattle–Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA) (22.2. million)
12. Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport (PHX) (21.9 million)
13. Newark Liberty Worldwide Airport (EWR) (21.6 million)
14. San Francisco Worldwide Airport (SFO) (20.4 million)
15. Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) (19.8 million)
16. Boston’s Common Edward Lawrence Logan Worldwide Airport (BOS) (17.4 million)
17. Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Worldwide Airport (FLL) (15.4 million)
18. Minneapolis–St. Paul Worldwide Airport (MSP) (15.2 million)
19. LaGuardia Airport in New York (LGA) (14.4 million)
20. Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport (DTW) (13.8 million)
(Information observe: The FAA information used for this listing solely refers to passenger enplanements or vacationers who boarded planes and doesn’t depend those that disembarked as nicely. Airports Council Worldwide, which releases an annual listing of the world’s busiest airports, calculates its figures based mostly on each enplanements and deplanements, which is why these numbers differ from these within the busiest world airports listing.)
Barbara Peterson and Paul Rubio contributed reporting.